The United States is aware of human rights violations and is trying to stand by the minorities who are persecuted around the world, US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussain said Sunday.
He held a meeting with the leaders of Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad (BHBCOP) in the capital.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas was also present.
At the meeting, Hussain wanted to know about the current situation of religious freedom in Bangladesh from the leaders of BHBCOP.
Advocate Rana Dasgupta, general secretary of BHBCOP, told the envoy that growing communalism and fundamentalist activities had thrown Bangladesh’s religious minorities and indigenous peoples into an existential crisis, according to a press release.
The upcoming election situation is making them fearful, he said.
Ambassador Hussain said he and his family moved to the United States from Bihar of India and had obtained citizenship.
“I was able to come here today, nominated by the President of the United States because the Constitution guarantees equal rights and opportunities for all citizens of that country (USA),” Hussain said.
A fundamental purpose of the American constitution is to ensure the rights of minorities, he added.
Hussain said that changes in the psychological issues of society are not only the responsibility of the government but also the civil society, urging all to come forward in this regard.
He also mentioned the persecution of Muslims in China and the Rohingya in Myanmar.
Hussain assured that the United States will continue to work for the development of democracy and secularism in the world.
Rashad Hussain arrived here on Sunday on a four-day visit to hold a series of meetings with Bangladesh officials.
He is scheduled to meet State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam at his office at the Ministry of Foreign on April 20.
He serves as principal advisor to the secretary of state and advisor to the president on religious freedom conditions and policy, according to the US Department of State.
Hussain leads the department’s efforts to monitor religious freedom abuses, persecution, and discrimination worldwide.
He also oversees policies and programmes to address these concerns and works to build diverse and dynamic partnerships with the broadest range of civil society, with equitable and meaningful inclusion of faith actors globally.
He also spearheaded efforts on countering antisemitism and protecting Christians and other religious minorities in Muslim-majority countries.
Source: United News of Bangladesh